Tried one the specialty pancakes, coconut sticky rice. It was just that - a fluffy pancake with a coconut sticky rice crust (not mixed in). A slight sprinkle of salt and it was very delicious. The set up is no frills, the flavors not joke. Pancake was a bit on the smaller side but looking around there were other dishes with quite large portions. read more

Shopsin's - Coconut sticky rice pancake - Sandwiches Near Me - New York, New York

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You're in Essex Market, looking for a nice sammy before the movie upstairs, and where do you go? Shopsin's, of course. I mean, is there any question? Fresh food with delightful crusty bread, tchotchkes behind the counter, friendly service, windows overlooking Essex St... water on tap! I had the Presto, which, while not exactly heart-healthy, is a delectable blend of grilled chicken, pesto, bacon, and mozz. Will I be back? You bet your boots. read more

Shopsin's - The Presto - Sandwiches Near Me - New York, New York

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I'd recommend skipping. Odd staff, fairly unkempt space. I'd honestly say unnecessarily overpriced, would be fine if the food was exceptional, but it's not. Bad choice, my fault. PS... if you are reading the reviews and think that the terrible ones might be far fetched, think again. This place is something you would expect to find in Utica. So odd. Almost from waiting on the odd line that is confusing to all who try to find the start to the way the staff interacts with the customers. We were in awe just standing there watching these scenarios. Odd, and not in a good LES way. read more

Shopsin's - African Green Curry Soup or "watered down curry to stretch a meal to feed a village".thin, a Cold War ration. Disappointing !! - Sandwiches Near Me - New York, New York

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Awesome brunch/lunch spot in Essex Market. You scan the QR code and join the waitlist for a table, and you'll receive a text when your table is ready - I really appreciated this aspect as it allowed us to walk around the market while we waited. On a Saturday afternoon, around 2 or so, there were 5 parties ahead of us which took about 45 minutes. Since it's in the market, it's on the smaller side, and most tables sit 2-4 people with some counter space roo. Decor is retro/baseball themed. Because it's a small space, food took a little while to come out, but it was worth the wait. Very extensive menu, we had a tough time picking our order since it all looked amazing. The Bastard (eggs, pastrami hash and cheese on ciabatta) was absolutely amazing and would 100000% get again. The sausage and gravy and Mac and cheese pancake also really great. Bottomless coffee for $5. We definitely plan to come back sometime. It was a great find! read more

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One of the very best meals you can get in New York. For people who can find pleasure and meaning and some adventure in a meal. Go get fed by the family. read more

We visited Shopsin's inside Essex Market, and we really liked the vibe! Food was pretty good, you had to get your own water from a communal jug. Would have been good to know at the beginning. We got the Strider (English muffin, eggs, sausage...) and the eggs were amazing - as well as a Philly cheesesteak, which wasn't mind blowing. Wait times were long, and they did rush us out at the end. Services was a little slow. read more

Shopsin's - Strider - Sandwiches Near Me - New York, New York

I tried the Azteca stuffed pancakes. I wouldn't really call them stuffed, they're basically just pancakes with stuff mixed into the dough - in this case, avocado and cilantro. It came with a little dish of ricotta mixed with lemon and herbs, which added some brightness. It's also served with maple syrup and butter like the other sweet pancakes. I'd skip those and go for hot sauce instead. The pancakes were pretty light and airy - the added mix-ins definitely don't result in any denseness. It's nice to have a savory pancake option for a change. My meal was about $22 all in after tax and tip. My group of three waited about 10 minutes to sit at the bar, but sometimes the wait can be significantly longer, since it's a small space with limited staffing. I wouldn't wait ages for it, but it might be worth checking out if it's ever empty. read more

Haven't found a fluffier scrambled egg in Manhattan. And the Mac n cheese pancakes? Effing epic!! Try them with maple syrup and some hot sauce. Great food, great prices, great service!! read more

If you rate this anything under 5 stars, you don't get it. Best breakfast in the city hands down. Shout out to Zack, repping pops legacy to a 10. read more

Shopsin's - Oleg - Sandwiches Near Me - New York, New York

At one point, this place blew my mind! Between the options of breakfast items and how everything tasted, it was fantastic. When we went there recently, it was good but nothing amazing, which was so sad. My egg sandwich was really good and I'm glad they had a non pork option that wasn't vegan. My bunny's pancakes were fine, nothing special and for the price, it was surprising. He got a lemon ricotta and banana pecan pancake which just had a big glob of the filling in the middle and that's about it. I like the idea of them having the bottomless coffee and that it's self serve. The water is self serve too which was interesting but slightly annoying to have to get up out of your seat and refill it yourself. Unfortunately, I think it'll be a while until we go back. read more

Shopsin's - Bastard - Sandwiches Near Me - New York, New York

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Shopsin's is an absolute MUST every time I visit NY. Unlike most of the "historic" restaurants in NYC, Shopsin's has kept up with the times and always comes through. Even though the 'ol man has passed, his son and staff still execute the dishes perfectly and make you want to return for more. The Mac n Cheese Pancakes are a must. Everything else, I keep trying just to cause there's so many amazing dishes. Finally remembered to get myself a hat & T-shirt this last visit so I can proudly wear it in LA until my next visit. read more

Pancakes with fried chicken? And the pancakes are crispy on the top because of the pan fried cheese layer? My fav so far. read more

Shopsin's - Cap'n Jack - Sandwiches Near Me - New York, New York

It has a an endless menu and everything on it is terrific. Brunch may be bets, but anytime is good.

Amazing food and colorful, authentic NYC service! Loved it! They don't make them like this anymore!

They have a breakfast dish called Blisters on My Sisters. Broiled Cheddar over Sunnies, Peppers, Beans, Collards, Onions, Tomato, Rice on Corn Tortillas. This is what you need. Get it with the optional chorizo and ask for some of their Brutal Hot Sauce. It's brutal. And brilliant. Yeah, there's probably a wait to get in. Yeah, the kitchen can be a bit slow. But it's absolutely and wonderfully worth it to sit in this comfy, quirky, and delicious little diner inside of Essex Market. read more

Shopsin's - Blisters on My Sisters. Skip the Cholula hot sauce and go for their house-made Brutal Hot Sauce. - Sandwiches Near Me - New York, New York

I love you Probs one of the only reasons I'd go to Essex market -- miss their old spot Their service can be like a schticky thing for visitors, but honestly they won't be rude if you're not annoying? Quite simple read more

I know...I know..I should've gotten the pancakes. The menu here is gigantic! The line to be seated is long. Is it worth the wait? Indeed! My friend is a tiny tot yet she's one of my best eating friends. You always want a buddy that eats a similar amount or a smidge more. Never be deceived by her doll like silhouette, girl can put it away. We waited in line patiently as the tables were filled with hungry slow eaters and a large group ahead. When we finally made it to the counter. We took way too long still deciding. And waited patiently for our order to be made. We went for the following which reminds of the Violent Femmes song "Blister in the Sun" but that neither here nor there. "Blisters on My Sisters Broil Chedda over Sunnies, Peppers, Beans, Collards, Onions, Tomato, Rice, on Corn Tortillas 15" The kitchen was super friendly about our patience. Our skillets arrived and it was huge. But that is what is to be expected. An absolute brunch experience here. Everything was on point and married well together. I could not recommend this dish enough. I was in brunch coma. I was still trekking a long when my friend polished off the dish. The waitress exclaimed that if her mom worked there, my friend would have received a gold star for being in the "Clean Plate Club". One of the best compliments one can receive at a famous diner outside the box spot. I made a great effort but no gold star for me. Can't wait to return for another gluttonous adventure! Extra Credit: Watch the 2004 documentary "I Like Killing Flies" about the restaurant in it's first 30 years, almost 50 now. 2008 book with Carolynn Carreño entitled Eat Me: The Food and Philosophy of Kenny Shopsin read more

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Probably the quirkiest diner-style restaurant I've ever been to. As soon as I walked up, I overheard people celebrating Trump's indictment. Definitely attracts a certain type, which I'm into. Others may not find it as welcoming though. The kitchen staff seemed friendlier than the girl at the counter. Service was average. Luckily, there was no wait when I went. The menu is ridiculously huge, which is a fun novelty, but honestly, not my favorite. I get choice overwhelm. Plus, I'd question how good everything is when you know there has to be some dishes that just aren't made very frequently. Have to give them points for creativity though. Food and flavor combos are fun, as well as the presentation. My breakfast sandwich came with a little streamer thing on it. And my husband's pancakes had faces on them. They also serve coffee and tea in quirky mugs like you'd find at someone's home. And the place is decked out in Mets memorabilia and other weird stuff. So fun. As for the food itself, it was pretty good. Not particularly memorable taste wise. But a solid, filling meal. I had the Strider. My only qualm with it was there was no dressing on the little side salad it came with. Love that they have vegan and vegetarian options, though. I was able to have veggie sausage for my sandwich, which is always appreciated. Felt a little overpriced for what it was though. I feel like you probably can't get the full experience until you've come a few times and tasted a variety of dishes. Definitely curious about their mac n' cheese stuffed pancakes. Maybe next time! read more

Shopsin's - Tea - Sandwiches Near Me - New York, New York

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I missed out on dining at Shopsin's when it was located at the former Essex Market on the NE corner of Essex and Delancey. I feel like the old no-frills location probably fit their straightforward character more than their current, more sanitized spot in the new Essex Market. The menu seems largely to be the same, with a wide-ranging and novel selection of brunch and deli items with a twist. We ordered the Zackzuka and the Triple Play pancake plate (pumpkin, coconut, and mac 'n' cheese). I particularly loved the coconut pancake, which must have had both coconut milk/cream in the batter, in addition to shredded coconut. The pumpkin pancake was nicely spiced, while the mac 'n' cheese pancake was...interesting. The combination of sweet and savory was unexpected yet surprisingly worked. We took the waiter's suggestion in adding hot sauce, which certainly enhanced the flavor profile. The Zackzuka was clearly a spin on shakshuka. It came with chorizo, eggs, and peppers, which were accompanied by toasted challah bread. The sizzling plate was very flavorful. These two dishes were more than enough for my partner and me. We took home some of the leftover pancakes, which were still pretty good upon reheating. I actually didn't find the waiters to be infamously brusque. Prices are somewhat high for essentially diner food, but I would not say egregiously so for the location and somewhat creative offerings. read more

Shopsin's - Triple Play Pancakes: coconut, pumpkin, and mac 'n' cheese - Sandwiches Near Me - New York, New York

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Extremely rude. Ended up leaving. Do Not recommend!! Woman ignored us, took another group before us. Was very unpleasant and said she couldn't seat four adults and a toddler. I understand rule are rules but we could have separated at two tables. We were two families. read more

Do yourself, your dining companions, & your server a huge solid & check out Shopsin's extensive menu before coming in to eat. The pancake options, alone, many of which combine sweet & savory elements, are mind boggling. We went with the Triple Play ($16) -- chocolate chip was average, coconut had shredded pieces & a slightly salty taste, but king of the sweet/savory combo is Shopsin's mac & cheese pancake. So wrong, yet so right, it'll be your next guilty pleasure. We also shared Country Scramble 4 which had shredded potatoes, onion, peppers, & corn tortillas ($15) & a Name Plate called Shirley ($17) which was surprisingly delicious. We thought it'd be three poached eggs on a BLT sandwich but it turned out to be a BLT salad that was both hearty & refreshing. Shopsin's is one of many small eateries located inside Essex Street Market. They do not seat parties over four people. We came during a weekday when there was no wait, but I bet it's a whole 'nother scene for weekend brunch because this spot serves some damn fine grub. read more

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Brunch for 2. Perfect. Nice ambiance and quick service. Stop in if visiting LES and keep it short and cute read more

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I sure wish I could have gone to the original in the village, but this family run spot has kept an impressive menu even in a tiny space. Support a New York City institution! . read more

Okay, so check this one off my bucket list of places I need to try. For years I have walked by when it was at the old Essex Street Market location because it was either full with no available seats or it was too late, after 3pm. They are only open until 4. One of the rules that were in place was that when not dining alone, you are not to both order the same item off the menu. I no longer see that rule in print, and wonder if it is still adhered to. I sat myself at the counter where you can glimpse the chef preparing your food through the open window. You can also hear him cursing when he accidentally slams something on his finger. I had breakfast consisting of fried shrimp, scrambled eggs, grits, a small green salad and a healthy serving of cornbread. When the young fella came with my dish, he asked if I wanted hot sauce. When I said "no thanks", he made it a point to that it was made in house. I put it on everything. The cornbread would be coming up, and I said it was not the thing I was predominantly looking for. I was wrong. It ended up being the best corn bread I ever had. Not too sweet and did not fall apart when breaking into it. I was so satisfied. read more

Shopsin's - Fried shrimp, grits, eggs, and the best cornbread - Sandwiches Near Me - New York, New York

My boyfriend and I walked in around 2:30 on a Saturday and we were the only table, but it was a gorgeous day in mid-May so everyone was probably outside. I did not suffer from that same urge to bask in the sun, because my happy place is being inside, eating delicious stuffed pancakes and other health foods and not getting a sunburn. Zesty name plate and coconut sweet rice pancake were both amazing, and we even had leftovers. Putting rice in a pancake is a genius carb-on-carb move. I need to come back and try 100 more things because the menu is huge! Service was incredible - everyone was so nice. Will definitely return for more pancakes and other zany combos. As you probably know, Shopsins is inside Essex Market, which is also fun to explore when you need to walk off the carbs. read more

Shopsin's - Zesty name plate - Sandwiches Near Me - New York, New York

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Pretty awesome spot if you know the history of it! (Read the book). It's diner-like, but the food is more elevated. Interesting, delicious dishes off the beaten path. Nice service, clean, but don't bother bringing a camera, no influencers allowed. read more

Shopsin's - Prozack - Sandwiches Near Me - New York, New York

Stumbled on this place because I'm headed to the tenement museum. Love the market, very cool. My breakfast was not what expected, but it was clever and delicious. I may try it at home. Love sitting across from an A sanitary grade!! read more

Shopsin's - Sandwiches Near Me - New York, New York

the owner/cook yelled from the kitchen "Leave" if you dont like that you have to leave if you dont throw out your coffee. We came in with our drinks from outside and we said we are about to finish. Nope so we left. read more

Wacky little place. Weird rules. But damn they are good. Tiny tiny restaurant, maybe 7 or 8 tables, and 4 spaces at counter. Really good quality, made on the spot food. You get it as they make it. Pancakes are amazing. All kinds of unusual types, not at all typical. Seriously delicious. Banana bread French toast, so good. Hash browns with onions, better than anywhere. Cheese grits. Awesome. Grilled cheese with maple bacon, omg. You need to come here for breakfast/brunch/lunch, whatever. read more

We lucked out on a Sunday morning around 11am and there wasn't too much of a wait to eat here. Service is great, and if you're a Mets fan, you're in for some really fun decor that adds to the fun ambiance of the space. The star of our entire meal was definitely the Dulce Leche pancake. Worthy of being added to my ever growing "last meal" list. From the pillowy pancake batter to the caramel oozing out of the center, it's a must-order item. I went from the magic (under name plates), and this is certainly an overwhelming menu of options. We poured over our choices for quite some time. While I liked the scrambled eggs and lace potato, I didn't care for the bacon marmalade (lesson learned!). My partner got the egg special #5, so that we could also sample the mac'n cheese pancakes, but they were kind of underwhelming, and they were skimpy on the avocado serving portion. I'd definitely still come back. But I think I'd play it simple with the pancakes and some eggs! read more

This review will be as fast as the sliders purchased were devoured! I stopped in Essex Market with my favorite teenager and purchased sliders that she requested. I was fortunate to have a small taste of the second of three. I never saw the three sliders as a group... GONE! The little bite I was offered was delicious and brought me back to my childhood when ground beef tasted really good. That's all I can say, besides I will revisit when I want a GREAT burger. Oh yeah, the menu is extensive and I plan to explore it:))! read more

For years i am a big fan and nothing change . The food with all the fantastic variety is purely amazing ! this time i took the Jewboy and the rightly done fries with great hot sauce to dip in - REAL ! The service is great and attentive . A unicorn of restaurant ! A Destination !!! read more

Delicious and creative! Portions are huge, but we had to get pancakes for the table. Love the salsa

The former owner of Shopsin's (Kenny Shopsin) sadly has passed away. He was a legend to rival the mythic cynic and curmudgeon Tony LaTona of Caffe Sport in San Francisco. No more grinch giving you grief over your grits first thing in the morning. But that doesn't mean the burly cook won't be surly early on your visit. Good chance you'll get a blast from Shopsin's past. The Forever Stamp sized space is tucked into the back corner of the block long Essex Market. There are a few tightly packed in wobbly Formica tables (bring match books to steady them) along with a great Cook's counter with 4 seats. Prime real estate here. The kitchen is no bigger than you'd find in a camper shell even though three worker bees are are buzzin' and livin' in there from 9 to 2 Mon to Sat (and 10 to 2 on Sun). Atmosphere? There is none. But the place is filled with years of memories and cooking stuff which make's it's own unique atmosphere. Ceiling to floor Met's memorabilia, an old toaster, broken coffee mugs, (handles stored separately) faded posters of events long come and gone, jars and bottles of this and that, containers of things pickling, proofing, procreating, and dishes on the pass through prepped, plated and ready for service. In recent years the menu has been pared down to fightin' weight. 900 items are now a slimmed down 300 house made creations. Trump and Melania's Pre Nup was shorter. Reading the menu was like taking a Bar exam. 14 Soups bubble away, 35 "Name Plates" are listed before you get to the 50 variations of Egg dishes. You get the idea. The menu is 8 pages of fine print smaller than a mortgage refy doc and everything is made to order in an orderly fashion. What to have? You and your taste buds are on your own, while the Counter Man drums his fingers on the bar. "Ain't got all day, Bub. You don't decide this mornin' you'll be gettin' Lunch instead, an I gotta be somewhere's tamarra for dinner". Okay, okay. I'll have the Chicken Schnitzel with Sausage Gravy, Scrambled Eggs and Grits. "Yeah, dat it, Pal?" When I first saw it being carted out of the kitchen I thought someone had catered a morning after Bachelor Party breakfast next door as it was easily enough for the entire Jets offensive line. "Somethin' to drink? Never mind you'll need a Blueberry/Nutella Malted wid dat", said the bar man. "Right. I'll have that. Sound's great." "Hey, you're gonna like it...a lot...and don't leave none either." "Got it." Elbows working like pistons, the Malted came to life in the old timey Malt Mixer (or was it a re-purposed lawn mower?) No matter, it was served old school style in an over sized stainless Malted Maker tumbler all frosty and slippery from condensing cold sweat. It was enough for three beefy dudes, so naturally I got to work on it immediately. Don't want to aggravate the guy that's serving you his food, do you? And that Malt was easily the best ever. So there. Moments later a Fiesta Serving Bowl emerged from the kitchen and set down in front of me. (If you have to move it, lift that thing with your legs). A row of prehistoric Chicken Tenders all perfectly schnitzelized were lined up like Terra Cotta Soldiers around the edge of the bowl. They were wedged into the cooked just right Grits layered with Caramelized Onions and soft creamy Scrambled Eggs. (I should have asked for Runny Sunnies but I was too intimidated to mention it. I'll be more confident next time.) The whole pile was buried under a thick blanket of Chicken Gravy chocked full of sized Sausage chunks ample enough to please Andre the Giant, may he rest and dine in peace. All of my favorite food groups were represented in this dish. The Chicken was cooked exactly right. Flash fried, the breading crisp, the meat hot and moist, the Eggs gently scrambled and the Grits smoother than a baby's butt. The whole bowl was definitely overwhelming and of course I proceeded to eat the entire thing,and then licked the ceramic clean for good measure. Hey, I didn't want to offend anyone manning the grill. Then there was the Aztec Pancakes which had 2 fluffy pancakes the size of Honda Civic Hub Caps with sliced Jalapeno in the batter. Pushed in between those cakes was a heroic mound of Lime squirted mashed Avocado and fresh Ricotta Cheese. A mini bottle of Maple Syrup and a caddy of 7 house made Hot Sauces ranging from piquant Baby Formula to an out of body near death drinking Draino experience arrived simultaneously. Every time something else came out of the kitchen I lusted for it and thought, "Damn, I should have order that." Makes it sound like dating. But all it really means is that I get to make 299 more visits to Shopsin's. read more

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This place is amazing!! This is not a traditional, conceptual, high end or fusion restaurant. It's a truly unique, personal approach to many different types of cuisines around the world. Small place, efficient service and a ridiculously long menu!! But it's worth checking all the options. My friend has been coming to this place for years in their previous location and assures all the items he has tried are amazing. It was my first time there and I loved it! They don't accept parties bigger than 4, so I wouldn't recommend a bigger group to come. read more

I came to Shopsin's for brunch on an early Saturday morning. I thought they had outdoor seating but at least at the moment we ate there in March 2021 they did not. My boyfriend and I debated whether to eat here but because there was only one other party dining there on the other side of the restaurant we decided to sit down (seems 10am is a good time to get there if you don't like crowded places since there was only one group there the entire time we were dining there). My boyfriend got the Bastard plate which was pastrami hash with an egg omelette on ciabatta bread. I got three pancakes (Mac n cheese, lemon ricotta and banana pecan) and a side of bacon. My boyfriend's sandwich was a huge and absolutely delicious. I regretted not getting a sandwich or savory plate because it was so good. Not to say my pancakes weren't - they were definitely very nice but I was way more impressed with his sandwich. I had been reading the service here was not good but our server was extremely friendly and attentive. I would not hesitate to return but next time I'll definitely go the more savory route. read more

Shopsin's - Mac and cheese pancake, lemon ricotta pancake and banana pecan pancake - Sandwiches Near Me - New York, New York

The best food in town. True New Yorkers with generations of experience, Zack is a great chef and the staff salt of the earth. If you have thin skin and need alterations for each item, I would go somewhere else - their menu is vast and covers any taste, heavy on not only international but local flare. Ambiance is an adjective best used for some place like Nobu. Shopsins has a diner feel in an open market, but it works. Kenny would be proud his kids are still serving up the finest food in Manhattan. read more

Food: is creative and delicious, with large portions and an eclectic flavor profile. They generally do not allow customizations. Service: is brisk and straight-forward. Ambiance: it's part of an indoor market and is sparse on seating, so expect a wait. Overall, it's a basic setup with a small counter and a few tables. There's moderate noise, but conversations can be had. Value: they are not cheap, but the food is unique and tasty. read more

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Inventive preparations (tuna melt and brisket sandwich), and helpful staff in the pretty Essex Market

Really cool experience if you're visiting NY. The food options are galore, there are so many options to choose from! My friends and I were able to try four different dishes that were all creatively prepared. I had no idea what to expect when trying the Mac and cheese pancake but paired with their maple syrup and hot sauce, a savory surprise awaited! The orange juice is super delicious and freshly squeezed everyday. Seating is super limited however, and you may have long wait times but the experience is totally worth it. Not photographed is the Do-rag and Toy both delicious! read more

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